Automatic pull gun



June 22, 1965 P. ANTHONY AUTOMATIC PULL GUN 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 8. 1962 INVENTOR. PAUL ANTHONY M '1 JM 3 um Y 3 V 8 2. um um MN w: 09 0Q 00- 0 0w .5 3 3 s. S. +2 2 3 I: .5 8 2. ll QN i l I a 1%!!! 3 8. I 3 S. 3. J. 2. o: 3 2. i. 2. L cu m: 5. -m a! a! -2 u kmNm I m! v w! on- 0! M m0 ATTORNEYS June 22, 1965 P. ANTHONY AUTOMATIC PULL GUN Filed Feb. 8. 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 MIN nip 5 QIH AIBd-Q EF CID I38 I32 INVENTOR PAUL ANTHONY ATTORNE YS June 22, 1965 P. ANTHONY 3,190,104

AUTOMATIC PULL GUN Filed Feb. 8, 1962 s Sheets-Sheet z ATTORNE YS United States Patent 3,190,104 AUTOMATIU PULL GUN Paul Anthony, 9169 E. Admiral Place, Tulsa, Skin. .Filed Feb. 8, 1962, Ser. No. 172,012 7 Claims. (El. 72391) This invention relates to pulling and driving apparatus and, more particularly, to a mechanically actuated tool for first, pulling and folding and second, driving and setting blind rivets and the like.

Of current interest is the use of blind rivets to retain and hold metallic parts together, especially as used in the aircraft fabrication arts. Such rivets are adapted to be applied and set from one side only of the structure being riveted. In use, it appears that there are a multiplicity of various blind rivet sizes and styles, to accommodate various thicknesses of materials to be retained by the rivet plus various strength requirements. Each of these rivets, accordingly, requires various pulling and driving characteristics. a

' Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a pulling and driving tool for blind rivets and the like. which overcomes the problems associated in the use of various sizes, types and styles of rivets.

It is another object of this invention to provide an automatic actuated pulling and driving tool for blind rivets and the likewhich is easily adjustable to accommodate the varying sizes and styles of rivets.

It is another object of this invention to provide a mechanically actuated blind rivet pulling and driving tool which includes visual indicating means for adjustment to the various styles, types and sizes of rivets.

3,199,194 Patented June 22, 1965 generally depicted in FIGURES 1 and 2. As shown therein, work pieces and 22 are to be fastened together by the rivet which includes a pin portion generally indicated by the numeral 24 and a collar portion generally indicated, by the numeral 26. The pin 24 includes a head portion 23 and a shank portion 36. Forward and between the shank and the head 28 is an enlarged diameter shoulder portion 32. A forwardly and inwardly. shaped groove 34 is immediately behind the shank 30 and terminates with a short cylindrical surface 36. A breakneck 38 extends'between the forward portion of the pin and a rearward length of pin 40 which terminates in gripping grooves, not shown. The collar 26 includes a forward sleeve portion 42 anda rearward flange portion 44. The sleeve includes a forward cylindrical recess 46 within which that portion of the rivet, forward of the break-neck 38 ismoved. The flange portion of the collar includes a conical recess 48 within which tubular projection 45 is later driven.

In the first operational phase, the rivet assembly is initially inserted into aligned apertures of the work piece 20 and 22 whichjare to be fastened together; Pin 24 is pulled relative to collar 26 while a forward reaction force is maintained against flange 44. As the shoulder 32 is driven within the recess 46 of sleeve 42, the shank 30"of the rivet pin expands the sleeve portion to fill the apertures in the work pieces Ztl and 22 while upsetting or folding the end of'the sleeve 42 adjacent head portion 28 i to form a blind head 5% of the rivet sleeve.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved pull gun that is economical to manufacture,

assemble, and is-durable, elficient and reliable in its operation.

These and other objects of this invention will become more apparent upon further reading the specification and claims taken in conjunction with the following illustrations of which:

FIGURES 1 and 2 are partial sectional views of a along the use FIGURE6 is a side elevational view of typical identification'markings for setting the tool-to the various sizes and types of blind rivets.

FIGURE 7 is a top elevational view describing addi tional markings for setting the automatic trippingdevice with respect to various sizes, types and styles of blind rivet.

FIGURE 8 is a sectionalview of an alternate automatic tripping device embodying the principles of this invention and shown in the first operational position.

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged side elevational view of the apparatus of FIGURE 8 in the second operational positions Y FIGURE 10 is a sectional view of still another alternate automatic tripping device embodying the principles of this invention and shown in the first operational position.

General operational desm'z'ptz'on Generally speaking, this invention is concerned with the pulling and driving of blind rivets, the process of which is tends longitudinally of the device.

In the second phase the pin pulling force is substantially increased at this moment such that, by an arrangement ofparts," hereinafter described, there is substantially simultaneous or sequential driving or shearing of projection 45 into the space between conical recess 48 and the tapered pin portion 34 forming what is termed a conical keystone lock or set and thereafter shearing of the breakneck portion 38. 7

Accordingly, in the assembly of the rivet type above described, it can be appreciated that when various thicknesses of work pieces, requiring various types and sizes of blind rivet pins and collars, there must be sequenced coordination of the pulling and driving operations to form a locked assembly such as illustrated in FIGURE 2. A premature shearing-of the break-neck or driving of the projection will form 'an incomplete or unuseable connection.

Specific description- The embodiments of this invention may be more clearly understood by reference to FIGURES 3, 4 and 5. The device includes an interior actuating shaft 52 which ex- At the forward end a collet retaining sleeve 54 is threadably attached thereto. Within the sleeve are a multiplicity of collet members 56 Whose interior includesgriper edges for interlocking engagement with gripper teeth not shown, at the .rear

end of rivet pin 49. A spring element 58 normally biases the collet members forward-into such interlocking engagement, yet will permit the collet members 56 to be forced rearwardly and thereby open to permit insertionot the gripping elements on the next rivet pin 40 and force a the remaining pin rearwardly out. The rear most end of longitudinal actuating shaft 52 is attached to a pulling mechanism designated generally by the numeral 66.. An

' actuating piston 62 is threadably attached to the'longitudinal shaft 52 and is reciprocably movable within cylin- V -drical housing 64. The. housing 64 terminates its rearlongitudinal guide slot 74 within the outer cylindrical housing 64. At the lower end of piston 62 are a multiplicity of ratchet teeth 76 within which the pivotal pawl of the handle to engage the body and housing of the gun during operation. Flat spring member-92 is attached to the cylindrical housing 64 by a lockingbolt94; This spring tends to maintain or force the movable pawl into the matching slots 76. A fixed pawl member 96is spring biased inward to maintain the piston 62 in a given position during that period when' the movable pawl is being actuated to. another slot 76. Athuinbre'lease lever' 98. is attached thereto in that instance it is desired to release the piston 62 and permit it to travelforward under the force of spring tothe forward most position.

Intermediate the actuator shaft'52 along one side is a recess 100 which terminates its forwardmost end with a taperedshoulder'102p A guide pin 104 is adapted to maintain the shaft in longitudinal alignmentuponthe' movement of guide opening 106' with respect thereto. The guide pin .104 is threaded through a longitudinal thrust housing 108 which is fixed'to the cylindrical housing 64 by threaded attachment 110 and lock nut112.' Aslot 114 permits sheared'rivetpin's 40'to be removed from the apparatus as they are pushed rearwardly by insertion of a new pin Within the coll'et members 56. The thrust housing 108 terminates its forwardmost end with an abut? ting thrust bushing 116. I

An outer anvil 118is coaxially mounted with respect to thrust housing 108 and bushing 116. An inner-anvil 122 is movable within the forward axial opening of outer anvil 118 and in the space between. thrust bushing .116 and outer anvil 118. The outeranvil 118 is movable with respect to the longitudinal thrust housing 108 along the outer surface 'and'is attached to a cylindrical sleeve 132 which is coaxially about the thrust housing 108;-

Attachment between the sleeve "132 and outer'anvil118 V is made by a threaded connection 134 using a threaded collar 136. The rearward opening of sleeve 132 includes a bevelled recess face 138.

Between'the sleeve 132 and 'the longitudinal thrust.

housing 108'is thrust actuator 14.0,the first rearward link of which is pivotal about pin 142 which is attached to the thrust housing 108. The forward portion of the thrust actuator link includes a pivoted link .144 which. is adapted to be insertably retained within the bevelled retaining. surface 138 of outer sleeve 132 and is forwardly pivotal about shaft 146 attached to the thrust actuator first link 140. Spring retaining elements 148 and 150 are adapted to normally bias and retain the thrust actuator 140 in the position shown in FIGURE 3, which is the first operating position. A follower member 152 is adapted to be interlocked with thetransverse grooves 154 formed along the bottom surface of first thrust actuator link 140.. The follower 152 .is retained within the grooves by a threaded shaft 156'Which is locked withrespect to the thrust actuator body 140 by lock nut 158. A guide pin 160 is slideable within 'a longitudinal slot 162 of the thrust actuator. Arguide yoke and washer 164 is adapted I 4 Threaded members 149 and 151 act to retain the spring biasing elements 148 and 150 against the thrust actuator link 140 shown. Spring 150 limits thepivotal movement of link 1 40 whereas spring 148 of lesser spring force merely biases the link downward such that the links will normally tend to return tothe first; operatingposition when shaft 52 is returned forward. Bolt 149 is further adapted as a guide member with respect to thrust housing 108 being operative within the recess guide 153.

Referring now to FIGURES 6 and 7, it is to he n ted that" transverse grooves' 154 within which the follower element 152 and its matching groove are retained are" of Y pitch of approximately inch. The markings upon the 1 thrust actuator 140, that is numerical scales 4, 5 and 6,

are rivet code markings for CKL, 52 CKL and FA CKL blind rivets respectively. Each letter for'each rivet:

size corresponds with the markings found upon the rivet being used and generally relates to the thickness of the work pieces'which are to be fastened. For example,

indicia 4- A corresponds to a [s'CKL rivet which is adapted to fasten'work .pieces of grip'rang e or thickness ranging from .020 to 1036". 'The'forward line of indi-'.

cator 164 is moved, after loosening nut 158 and permitting follower 152 to drop out of engagement withgrooves 154, to the corresponding indicia marker: on link 140. The nut is tightened to fix the followerto the link. FIGURES 8 and 9 describe an alternate embodiment of this invention particularly corresponding to the thrust actuating device. Like numerals for like or'substantially similar parts heretofore described will be used. Inthis embodiment a thrust actuator link is pivotally mount} ed on shaft 172 which is aflixed to longitudinal thrust housing 108. The forward portion of the thrust. actuator link is pivotally attached to sleeve 174 through a second to provide visualmeansfor setting the follower. member 152 according to a coded rivet.

Referring now to FIGURE 5, the thrust actuator is Q shown in its pivoted position, wherein the effective dis.-

fence between pivot pin 142 on thrust housing 108, and V pivotal link 176 which is pivotally attached at its for;

ward end to the sleeve at'shaft 178 and rearwardly to the thrust actuator link 170 at shaft 180. A longitudinal guide slot182 extends from theforwardend to the:rearward end of thrust actuator 170. Within'this slot'isthreaded shaft 184 which is rotatingly supported rear wardly within a threadably adjustable bushing 18.6 which 7 supports the cylindrical bearing surface 188 therein, Set screw 186 is'locked by'nut 190. The forward end of the threaded shaft 184 is retained against the forward wall of slot 182 by a flange 192. The-shaft extends outward of the thrust actuator 170 to which is attached a vernier 1 adjustment knob 194 usinginterlocking pin 196. Longi-I tudinally movable along the-threaded shaft as it is rotated is a follower nut'198 which terminates at its lower en'di with a follower portion 200.: The upper endiof the nut includes a threaded guide shaft 202 to which a locking nut 204 is attached. The threaded guide shaft-202 is longitudinally movable, after loosening follower nut198, within guide slot 206. As shown in FIGURE 9, the fol--' lower-nutincludes an indicator guide 208 movable there-1 with with respect to the indicia stamped alo'ng theoutside. of thrust actuator link 170 as shown in FIGURE 9.

spring member 210 located [at theirearwardfportion of thrust actuator 170 normallybiases the act uator'into the position shown in FIGURE 8.- Vernier scale markings 211 are impressioned about the periphery of vernier knob 194 for rotation with respect to impressioned marker21 2 visibly indicated on the 'body of the thrust actuator and adjacent the vernier markings." g

, V 7 Operation i .As heretofore described, the purposeof the apparatus of this invention islto first pull-andfold and second,ldrive' and set blind rivets of the CKL type as heretofore. dei-F scribed with reference to FIGURES 1l"an'd2.'.' In' actual. operation using a thrust actuating device of FIGURES" 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 the thicknesses ofthe work pieces 20 and.

22 are determined; After determining the manufacturefls. recommended size and. type .of rivet, the nut 158 is loosened, permitting follower152 to drop out of engage code letter is inserted through the coaxial opening of the inner anvil122 of outer anvil 118 and forward thrust bushing 116 into interlocking engagement with the collet members 56. The forward sleeve of the rivet 42 is inserted within the opening of the work pieces. A slight press forward is given to the setting tool by grasping the handle portion 66 such that the thumb is on one side of stop shield 68 and the fingers extending on the other side so as to grasp pivotal handle 80. Upon squeezing the handle towards the cylindrical housing 64 piston 62 is caused to be moved rearwardly against spring 70 and in turn begins the first operational phase of pulling the attached actuating shaft 52. This movement folds sleeve 42 to form the blind upset 50 as heretofore described.

During the first phase pulling movement, follower 152 is retained downwardly within the recess 100 and is retained therein with respect to the movement of the pullingshaft 52 until engagement of shoulder 102 is made with follower 152. This instance of contact is so positioned to be substantially simultaneously with the termination of the first phase pulling operation which forms the blind upset 50. Prior to engagement the position of the thrust-actuator as shown in FIGURE 3 prevents any relative movement of sleeve 132, and hence attached outer anvil 118 which is attached thereto by threaded sleeve 136, with respect to thrust housing 108. Engagement of tapered shoulder 1&2 with follower 152, however, now forces the thrust actuator upwardly. This begins the second operational phase which effectively shortens the heretofore fixed distance between thrust housing 108 with respect to sleeve 132 and hence permitsrelative movement of the outer anvil 118 with respect to the inner anvil 122 and thrust bushing 116, such that upon further pulling by pivotal movement of handle 80 now substantially simultaneously shears the break-neck 38 and forces thrust bushing 116 to act with respect to the outer anvil 118 and hence force the inner anvil 122 forward shearing the rivet collar or flange portion 45 into the conical recess 43, which in turn fillsthat space between the conical opening and the tapered recess 34 forming a keystone look. In that instance the thickness of the work pieces 26 and 22 should change with respect to the nextpulling and driving operation, the indicator 164 is thusly changed'to the desired code letter, corresponding to the given rivet diameter and the operation is repeated.

The embodiment of FIGURES 8 and 9 operates similarly to the thrust actuating devicejof FIGURES 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, except that means are provided for setting the desired follower 2% position with respect to tapered cam surface 162 by the use of a Vernier knob 194 having scale markings 211 spaced to correspond to ths of an inch For example where it is desired to, fasten materials .032" in thickness, it is recommended by the manufacturer that a A" rivet diameter and a type A code letter rivet be used. According to a prepared chart for that type of rivet, .025" is added to the material thickness giving a resultant code nurnber of .057. Nut 204 is loosened and vernier knob 194 turned until marker 208 is aligned along the indicia scale of thrust actuator 170 at a reading 57, corresponding to code number .057. Lock nut 204 is then tightened and the rivet is ready to pull and drive.

Although this invention has been described with reference to preferred and specific embodiments, this is not to be held as limiting. For example, other means of actuating the pull rod 52 may include hydraulic or pneu- V matic force means. Further, in one embodiment there may be provided meansto adjust the shoulder of the 6 actuating shaft'with respect to a fixed follower on the thrust actuator according to various rivet sizes. As is shown in the drawing, an adjusting element 220 having a beveled shoulder 222 is longitudinally adjustably attached in the recess in actuator shaft 52 by means of set screw 223. A plurality of longitudinally spaced internally threaded holes 224 are provided in the bottom of recesslfitl to receive set screw 1 23. The spacing of holes 224 is'selected such that element 220 can be positioned appropriately to cause actuation of the thrust actuator in setting any sized rivet. -Accordingly, it is apparent that other modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims. a What is claimed:

1. Apparatus for operationally first, pulling and folding and second driving and setting blind rivets and the like, the combination comprising,

an axially movable actuating shaft having axial means at a forward end to removably retain said rivet, a:c'oaxial thrust housing Within which said shaft is movable, manually actuatable means on said housing and engaging said shaft at the rearward end to actuatesaid shaft,

an outer anvil substantially adjacent said forward end and coaxially movable about said housing,

an inner anvil coaxially positioned and axially movable upon relative movement of said housing and said outer anvil to cause said second operation,

axially aligned openings in said housing, and said outer and inner anvils to permit insertion of said rivet, and retention on said shaft, and

ing and said outer anvil and pivotal form a first operational position maintaining said outer anvil and said thrust housing apart, to a second operational position permitting relative movement between said outer anvil and said thrust housing. 2. Apparatus for operationally first, pulling and folding and second driving and setting blind rivets and the like, the combination comprising,

an axially movable actuating shaft having axial means at a forward end to removably retain said rivet, a coaxial thrust housing within which said shaft is movable, manually actuatable means on said housing and engagingsaid shaft at the rearward end to actuate said shaft, an outer anvil substantially adjacent said forward end and coaxially. movable about said housing, an inner anvil coaxially positioned and axially movable upon relative movement of .said housing and said outer anvil to cause said second operation,

axially aligned openings in said housing, and said outer and inner anvils to permit insertion of said rivet, and retention on said shaft,

a thrust actuator positioned between said thrust housing and said outer anvil and pivotal from a first operationalposition maintaining said outer anvil and said thrust housing apart, to a second operational position permitting relative movement between said outer anvil and said thrust housing,

a recess and shoulder on said shaft, and

a follower member adjustably fixed. to said thrust actuator according to the size of a given rivet,

said follower member contiguous with said recess during said first operational position and engageable withsaidshoulder to pivot said thrust actuator to said second operational position.

3. Apparatus for operationally first, pulling and folding and second driving and setting blind rivets and the like, the combination comprising,

an axially movable actuatingshaft having axial means at a forward end to removably retain said rivet,

a coaxial thrust housing within which. said shaft, is

movable, a

m a t a l ea on said h si nd e ae ing said-shaft at the rearward end to actuate said shaft,

an outer anvil substantially adjacent said forward end and oaxi a y m va about sai h s an inner. anvil coaxially positioned and axially movable upon relative movement of said housing and said ou er an o ca s i second per axially aligned openings in said housing, and said outer and inner anvils to permit insertion of said rivet,

' a follower memberadjustaoly fixed to said thrusta'ctuw,

tor, indicator means associated with said follower 'for setting said follower according to the size of a given rivet, r 7

said follower member contiguous withsaid recess during said first operational position and engageable with said shoulder topivot said thrust actuator to said second position, a r

4.Apparatus for operationally first, pulling and folding and second driving and setting blind rivets and the like, the combination comprising, r

anaxiallymovable actuating shaft having axial means at a forward end to removably'retain said rivet,

- a coaxial thrust housing within which said shaft is movable,

manually actuatable means on said housing and en-' gaging said shaftat the rearward end to actuate said shaft, 1 an outer. anvil substantially adjacent said forward end and coaxially movable about said housing, a

e an in er an l 'q a ial y pqs t o e nd axially mo able. upon relative movement of said housing and said outeranvil to'cause said second operation;

a a y a ig op n ns id hous n an a o e and inneranvils to permit insertion of said-rivet, and retention on said shaft, I I

a thrust actuator positioned between said thrust housing and said outer anvil and pivotal from a first operational position maintaining said outer anvil and said thrust housing apart, to a second operational position permitting relative movement between said outer, anvil and said'thrust housing, and

means to pivot said thrust actuator from said first 'posi-' tion to said second position upon actuation of said shaft.

; 5. Apparatusaccording to claim-4 wherein said means to pivot is adjustable according to the size of said rivet;

6 Apparatus for operationally first, pulling andfolding and second driving and setting blind rivets and the like, the combination comprising,

anaxially movable actuating-shaft having axial means at a forward end to removably retain said rivet,

a-,-coaxial thrust housingrwithin which said shaft is movable,

manually actuatable means on said housing and en-r gaging said shaft at the rearward end' to actuate said shaft,

an outer anvil substantially adjacent said forward end andcoaxially movable about said housing,

an inner anvil coaxially' positioned and axially mov? able upon relative movement of said housingand said outer anvil-to cause said second operation,

axially aligned openings in said housing and said outer and inner anvils to permit insertion of said rivet, and retention on said shaft a thrust actuatorpositioned between said thrust housing'and said outer anvil and pivotal from a first oper'ational position maintaining said outer anviland said thrust housing apart, to a second, operational position permitting relative movement between said outer anvil and'said thrust'housing said thrust ,actut ator including a first length portion .pivotally attached said follower is, adjustably fixed and a second link pivotally attached to the other end of said link, said second link contactable with said outer anvil, and

wherein spring means attached to said outeranvil V i normally biases'again'st said first link into said-first operational position, V a recess and shoulder on said shaft, and

a follower member adjustably fixed to said thrust actuator, indicator means associated with said follower for setting said follower according to the size of a given rivet, said follower member contiguous with said recess during said first operational position :and engageable with said shoulder to pivot said thrust actuator. to said second position.

7. Apparatus according to .claim 6 wherein said second link is pivotally attached to said outer anvil.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,038,626 6/62 Simmons 21842 GRANVILLE Y. oUsTnR, Primary Examiner.

to said thrust "housing I at one end and to which 

1. APPARATUS FOR OPERATIONALLY FIRST, PULLING AND FOLDING AND SECOND DRIVING AND SETTING BLIND RIVETS AND THE LIKE, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING, AN AXIALLY MOVABLE ACTUATING SHAFT HAVING AXIAL MEANS AT A FORWARD END TO REMOVABLY RETAIN SAID RIVET, A COAXIAL THRUST HOUSING WITHIN WHICH SAID SHAFT IS MOVABLE, MANUALLY ACTUATABLE MEANS ON SAID HOUSING AND ENGAGING SAID SHAFT AT THE REARWARD END TO ACTUATE SAID SHAFT, AN OUTER ANVIL SUBSTANTIALLY ADJACENT SAID FORWARD END AND COAXIALLY MOVABLE ABOUT SAID HOUSING, AN INNER ANVIL COAXIALLY POSITIONED AND AXIALLY MOVABLE UPON RELATIVE MOVEMENT OF SAID HOUSING AND SAID OUTER ANVIL TO CAUSE SAID SECOND OPERATION, AXIALLY ALIGNED OPENINGS IN SAID HOUSING, AND SAID OUTER AND INNER ANVILS TO PERMIT INSERTION OF SAID RIVET, AND RETENTION ON SAID SHAFT, AND A THRUST ACTUATOR POSTIONED BETWEEN SAID THRUST HOUSING AND SAID OUTER ANVIL AND PIVOTAL FORM A FIRST OPERATIONAL POSITION MAINTAINING SAID OUTER ANVIL AND SAID THRUST HOUSING APART, TO A SECOND OPERATIONAL POSITION PERMITTING RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN SAID OUTER ANVIL AND SAID THRUST HOUSING. 